First Time Flying with a 2 Month Baby

We travelled all the way to Panama with our daughter at that age and this is what we did.

We ditched the stroller and car seat and kept a Moby Wrap with us instead. This gave us both two free hands to get through ticket lines, security, carry luggage, etc. It also provided a nursing cover and worked as a blanket. And last, I was able to nurse my daughter to sleep and rest on the plane at the same time by wraping her around me in the Moby in a laying down position so she could nurse and sleep at will and no one could tell what was going on.

In regards of what to bring, I found it was best to make sure I had plenty of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes. At this age they will sleep through most of the trip, so just the basic necessities. Since you are nursing, try to nurse during take off and landing to get through the pressure changes. Swallowing helps open the tubes and allows their ears to pop. If your baby is sleeping, just let him sleep. They are so relaxed, their ears may adjust without even disturbing them at this age, so jjust be ready to nurse if necessary, but don't feel you have to wake him to get through this part of the trip.

And last, expect the worst and you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to travel at this age. :)

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They don't mess with parents who have drinks for babies and toddlers, and they do let you take strollers to the gate for sure. We've never taken a carseat on board, but if you've paid for a seat for baby I think you can. It's really good if you can have baby suckling when you take off and gain altitude, and when you come in for a landing. It keeps their ears from becoming uncomfortable. If baby is used to nursing, then I wouldn't bother with a bottle, just take a blanket or whatever to cover yourself with. Take a couple of changes of clothes on board for baby (and diapers/wipes of course) in case clothes get soiled in a blow out (that's happened to me). And a bag to put soiled clothes in... You might take a change of clothes for yourself too ;) You just never know! It sucks having tons of stuff to lug around on board along with a baby and stroller and carseat, so stick with the essentials.

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From experience, the flight attendants and staff are extremely helpful to mothers with small children. Yes, you can bring your carseat/stroller combo all the way to the boarding gate and then fold it down and they will load it on for you.
I would highly recommend breast feeding your baby on the way up and the way down to help him pop his ears and releive the pressure. A bottle would be ok for a back up, but more than likely your baby is going to prefer the comfort of being snuggled up against you. If you use a Bobby, I would bring that, and at 2 months, he will probably just lay on your lap and sleep after feeding. Best Wishes!

I did that last year and I was able to take my diaper bag, purse, and carseat on the plane. I gate checked my stroller and car seat base. Things may have changed since then though, so call the airline directly and simply ask them. If you normally give your boy bottles, then stick with it so things are as normal for him as possible. You're allowed to take breastmilk on the plane so don't let them hassle you at airport security. Here's my list of must haves on the plane: change of clothes for everyone (two for baby) since you never know when the mega blowout is going to happen and there's few things worse than flying covered in poo or puke, a burp cloth just in case, pacifiers if you use them, a blanket or hooter hider so everybody going up and down the aisle to/from the bathroom doesn't see your breasts (it's just an angle thing) one toy for every two hours that you're flying. Your son will likely sleep most of the trip, but it's good to have something handy in case he doesn't, an empty water bottle that you can fill up after security but before boarding. The flight attendants don't come by often enough when you're breastfeeding and only have time to chug your 4oz. before your baby sticks their arm in it. A book or something for you to do while baby is sleeping. :) Good luck, you'll do fine!

One other note: if you're taking your stroller through security, be prepared to collapse it to send it on the conveyor belt. I've had to all 6 times that I've flown with it, though a friend of mine didn't have to last week.

i have taken my son on airplanes at least 4 times and he is 17 months old. at 2 months all you'll need is food. anything over 3oz is not allowed. if you have not been giving him a bottle bring a blanket to cover yourself while nursing or get one of those hooter hiders. i made one myself if you are good with a sewing machine try that. google free baby patterns and a one will pop up.

yes you can still check a stroller at the gate. i had one that broke and they didn't replace it. but i went on craigslist and found one for cheap. at this age i just used a sling for flying. i didn't use a stroller on the plane till about 6 months.

bring about 5 diapers, wipes, a pacifier (if he takes one), 2/3 burpies, and a couple changes of clothes only because you never know what will happen when not prepared. i have always checked a diaper bag and my own carry-on at that age my son just slept.

you'll want to plan on nursing at the take off and landing. i nursed whenever my son got fussy only because i was surround by people who i know didn't want to hear a fussy baby. or i would give him a paci which he loves. it didn't mess up his routine only because on vaca it is messed up anyway. but when we returned home things became routine again.

it will be a good flight and he will do fine. as long as your relaxed he'll be relaxed.

I see you have a ton of advice already, but I figured I'd throw mine into the ring. I haven't read through all of the responses, so sorry if I'm repeating things. I've flown twice (4 flights) with my daughter, once at 3 months with my husband, and once at 4 months by myself. I'm planning another one in September (8 months) that will be solo, and longer.

My biggest advice is wear your baby in the airport. It makes life soooo much easier. I used the Bjorn, then ring sling, and will use an ERGO on the next trip. You can wear your son through security, which is very, very nice. However, on the plane you cannot wear your baby during take off and landing, which I through was ridiculous but is apparently FAA regulation. So be prepared to pull him out during those times.

I packed breast milk on the first flight, but my daughter is a big nurser so it wasn't an issue for us - I haven't bothered since. You can bring any amount of breast milk through security - just tell the person checking your boarding pass that you have it and they will typically tell you who to talk to {if anyone, my experience varied) to ensure it goes through without a hitch. Nurse on take off and landing, or have a pacifier (if he'll take one), if possible because that'll help with the ears.

Airlines all differ on how much you can check and how gate check works, so check with yours. I flew Southwest on one of the flights - my carseat and stoller together counted as one piece of luggage, but I chose to gatecheck the stroller to avoid it going through the main luggage system. It didn't work - on the way back they sent it down to main baggage for the flight and it went through the carosels and everything. Be vocal about gate check meaning just that if you choose to use it!

Extra clothes are a must, and an extra shirt for yourself isn't a bad idea. My daughter had major blowouts, probably helped by the pressure changes, and it was really nice to have extra clothes. At 2 months your son will likely sleep (I sit in the very back of the plane so engine noise will help keep my daughter asleep), but if he likes any small toys pack
'em for distraction. Ask the flight attendants when you board if there is a restroom with a changing station in it so you know which one to go to - if there isn't one they will probably let you change him on the floor back in their area (that was offered to me on multiple flights on older model planes without changing stations).

Finally, check the TSA website for the current story on carrying on creams and liquids. I combined all the diaper bag liquids/creams with my own in the single quart-sized baggie, but it meant packing a special tube of diaper cream since my usual one was more than 3 oz. This probably applies to sunscreen etc. I THINK there may be some exceptions, but I'd check the website to be sure.

Good luck - it'll probably be WAY easier than you're expecting!

I agree with the advice of nursing on the take off and landing but I will also add that you make sure YOU are ready to fly...I don't fly well at all and so I know I must make sure I have what I need so that I am able to take care of my little ones. (hard to do if you have your head stuck in a bag!) If you have trouble flying ask your Dr. there are safe things you can take while nursing, well worth it.
Happy flying!

Hey there!
I traveled with my daugher at 2 months old to Chicago (4 hour flight)Have flown with her several times till she was 2 and now I will be making the same trip with my son when he is 2 months old. THey are soo easy at that age. I was breastfeeding and fed her on the way up and down to make sure the pressure didn't get to her. But, she slept the whole way and I took a bobby like pillow that was filled with "beans" it was easier to scrunch up in the small seats. Sat on the window you have an extra inch and a wall. My doctor said it doesn't bother their ears since they are more "open" than an older child. But, breastfeeding is great b/c they can keep sucking unlike a bottle. I fed her most of the flight she was a frequent eater. Unless you are shy I wouldn't bother the trouble with pumping then storing breastmilk. . Since you are breastfeeding germs is not such a concern new babies get all the antibodies from you and rarely get sick. Just wash your hands alot. Just make sure you have plenty of burp clothes,lap pads and wipes! Maybe extra shirt or pants for you in case of an accident that's never happened to me but, I heard of other moms. I changed her diaper on the pillow I would put the new one around her slide the wet one out. Poopy different story though.No one ever noticed. I was by myself as well so if you husband is next to you it should be even easier. They allow any milk product for babies/toddlers. I brought our almost 2 years milk with us it was just fine. Just look up the tsa.gov for all the rules.
Good luck have fun...

Hi N.,

My son is 4 months and we have already flown twice with him. The two airlines we flew were Continental and United. LOVED Continental!! United was also ok. Both allowed me to gate check the carseat and stroller (we have a jogger/carseat combo and this was a lifesaver at the airport). See if your stroller fits through the security scanner- ours did and this saved us from having to be scanned manually by security and wasting time. The first United flight was underbooked so the flight attendant moved us to different seats and allowed us to bring the carseat on board which was AWESOME.
Ok, for what to bring. I like to pack very light so I don't have to check bags. Nothing worse than having an airline lose your bags and you being left without your baby essentials. I don't know how long you will be gone, but consider buying diapers at your destination. This way you won't have to pack so many with you and you can just bring enough for the flight. I didn't pack a ton of clothes either. We are fortunate that our son has never spit up so his clothes stay pretty clean and I don't mind if he re-wears them for one more day. I did bring his monitor because we were often out on the deck with relatives in the evenings and would not have been able to hear him cry without the monitor. I would pump some milk- you can bring it through security with you. It came in handy for me on the long car ride back from the airport and also if you just want a break from holding him during the flight your partner can take him and feed him. Bring the pump with you if it's small enough (I have a Medela Swing). I went to target and bought a huge purse and used that as my purse and diaper bag. I filled it with diapers, wipes, a few toys, snacks (for me), a light nursing blanket, a change of clothes for baby, a plastic bag. The change of clothes and plastic bag were lifesavers as my baby had an accident on the plane and pooped all over me. It was awful! There I was, sitting at the window seat, trying to tell my neighbors tactfully that I had a lap full of poop and could I please get by to get to the restroom? A light change of clothes for you might be practical also:)
Try and pare down everything and think what you can do without. We never brought his port-a-crib or anything like that (a drawer works really well when they are very little)and got by just great.

Good luck!!

hiya-

i was travelling a lot with my son when he was around that age- i would check the carseat with the skyporters. it comes out at baggage claim, you don't have to carry it around the airport with you, and i had a really good experience with their help and handling of the seat. i don't think i would have the same attitude about the ticket people, but it's probably all the same. We took the carseat onboard once and it was a hassle- they had extra seats and offered it as an option- it was more annoying than useful. but if your son loves his seat you may want to plan to check it at the gate on the chance that they will have extra seats and let you bring it on.

breastfeed. it is necessary for their little ears and makes things a lot better. feed when you go up and when you come down. that said- don't start feeding until the plane actually pulls away from the gate and starts moving if you can get him to wait for it. sometimes you get stuck waiting to take off and the baby is done feeding before he needs the help for his ears. Same thing on decent. don't start when they say "beginning decent" start when they ask for seatbacks to go up. unless your son is fussing- then feed away. I wouldn't worry about a bottle. getting it through security can be a pain, and the bottle won't help the ears as well as feeding from a breast since the jaw doesn't open as wide.

i think i flew 8 times with him between 2 months and 6 months. he only had one bad flight. so don't worry too much about it. also- if you are flying southwest by any chance- sit with other parents- it will help your son be entertained, and the other noises will buffer any of his own. Plus other parents can help you out with ideas if things aren't working.

luckily your son is so little it should be a breeze. just be attentive to the airpressure and feed going up, coming down, and if you hit turbulence or your son starts fussing notably.

in your diaperbag i'd bring a change of clothes(ideally for you and him), a diaper or two, wipes, a blanket, and a couple toys. if your son takes a pacifier, definitely bring that.

I didn't bother with a stroller at the airport and just used a bjorn. it made travel a lot easier for me. you may want to think about using a carrier for your venture. you can use it in the seat too, just not on take off or landing. it's nice to be able to use it because it gives some sense of security about the baby being attached to you if something goes goofy- like you hit turbulence

I've flown with our 2 kids the first time when they were about 3 1/2 months. for the most part i just nursed them as we were taking off and stuck in the plug and they usually slept for most the flight. the descent is when their ears tend to hurt and nursing ought to stop that. also could try rubbing just behind their ears. all you'd need in a diaper bag is extra change of clothes and plenty of diapers and wipes. maybe an extra set of clothes for you if your little one has a tendency to spit up or blow out diapers!

When my son was 5 months old, we flew to Hawaii and back. He was not normally a baby that had blowouts (poop going out the top of his diaper and onto his back and sides). However, on the flight home, he had two blowouts. I had packed a spare outfit in the diaper bag, but not two! So, for the last two hours of the flight, the poor baby was just in socks, a diaper, and a little jacket. He was miserable (which made the rest of us around him miserable too). So, My advice is to pack at least tow if not three changes of clothes in the diaper bag. At 2 months old, the outfits are so little that they do not take up that much room. It is worth it to have them just in case.

they are allowing any size bottles for babies and make sure you have at least 4 diapers just in case of delays. I dont know if you are comfortable nursing in public or on planes but i did with my daughter and that was easier than taking bottles at that age. Last time i flew was in July and they were still allowing you to take stroller/carseat to the gate and you could check there. I was able to bring my own juice boxes for my 2 1/2 yr old. Good luck.

2 months of age has been a great time for us to fly. I too was nursing--we had the whole row, so I just nursed with a receiving blanket over me during the flight. You can check the stroller and car seat at the gate. From everything I have heard, the take off and landing are the toughest on them and it helps to have them nurse, or suck from a bottle or pacifier to help equalize their ears. Good luck and have a good trip!!

I know that when I flew with my infants..I had a flight attendant tell me to bring a pacifier or a bottle or nurse the baby alot. Their little ears get plugged and they will cry because it hurts.
I think that things that are very familar to them give them security...like small toys that they play with often...a blanket or a stuffed animal.
Hope you have a very good time. L.

i just flew with my son very recently when he was just about 4 months old. I'm not sure as to whether it's airline specific but i do know that they allow you to check strollers and car seats when you're loading onto the plane. When you check in at the counter at the gate let them know that is what you're wanting to do and they should give you a tag for your stroller. And right where the hallway ends and you enter the plane you drop off your stroller/car seat. This is what they did on United atleast.

The standard for going through security seemed to be 3 ounces minimum for any item you carried onto the plane. i think that doesn't apply to pumped breast milk though. I'm been soley breastfeeding at this point so it wasn't something i thought to look into. Also, he's been teething so we had some homeopathics with us,and nobody seemed to blink an eye at any of it.

What worked very well though for the pressure of the up and down points of the flight was to have him lach on and try to encourage him to suckle until we were at a set altitude or landed. the motion of the jaw helps to relieve the pressure and lesson the discomfort for them. I couldn't imagine this not working with a bottle as well.

They also allowed me to walk around the back area of the plane to help soothe him when he got a lil restless. It's not the most spacious experience but it works.

I also highly recommend letting your lil one know what to expect from going to an airport and flying in this thing called a plane. Even if they can't verbaly let you know they're listening. I believe this helped my son and i have a really nice and smooth flight together.

good luck.

I flew a year ago with my daughter (then 7 months and nursing). I checked her car seat with the luggage and took an umbrella stroller to check at the ramp on to the plane. Then they have the stroller waiting for you when you get off. I'm not sure how you feel about nursing on the plane, we did it as we were taking off, and landing to help her ears, and she went right to sleep. She also took a binki and I think that helped with the pressure. If you are nervous about nursing her on the plane then I would definately take a bottle or two with you. Good luck! I was nervous too and she ended up doing wonderfully...I wish you the same.

Hi N.,

For a 3 hour flight,
I flew with my 4 month old daughter and here is what I did:

Checked my stroller and infant car seat at the gate.
Brought blanket to swaddle her.
I brought a infant carrier in case she slept better on my chest--or if my arms got tired of holding her.
Bought water to fill bottle and packed a couple servings of formula for her (uanble to breast feed at that time unfortunately)
Timed her meal and fed her a bottle right at take off to prevent ear pain.
Brought a pacifier to use if needed.
Gave her a bottle on the descent
Window seat helps if you plan to try breastfeeding.

Worked well for me.

Be sure to pack extra food and diapers if you can. I kept thermometer, diaper cream, Tylenol with me and put it in a plastic bag along with baby wipes. If you get stuck on the tarmack for a long flight.......could be challenging.

They are sticklers about no liquids at security.

Good luck!

I flew with my daughter when she was just a month or so older. Extra clothes for both you and your son might come in useful (and it's better to be prepared than not!).

I checked the carseat and wore my daughter in a ring-sling so she could nurse while I was walking around the airport. I think now that I would use a Moby Wrap instead to have double shoulder support and be able to nurse while walking, but I didn't have a wrap at that time, nor did I know how to use one. The ring sling worked beautifully and I didn't have to worry about a big, bulky stroller at all!

You might be able to borrow a sling or wrap if you don't have one. A lot of ladies in my La Leche League group wear their babies and I've borrowed slings from them before so maybe your local LLL ladies (if you have a group) have some they would be willing to let you borrow.

You can also check out www.thebabywearer.com and on their forums you can find babywearers near you so you don't necessarily have to *buy* a sling. My sling was the most indispensable thing I brought on the airplane. Most flight attendants won't let you keep the baby in a sling on the flight, but some do and it's so helpful during the time in the airport (and doesn't take up much space at all on the plane itself).

I would definitely not pump and bring a bottle. The security folks are weird about liquids so the simpler, the better - and it doesn't get any simpler than just breastfeeding!

Best wishes!
~B.

I read everyone's posts and noticed they all mentioned the baby's ears getting clogged at take off & landing. Because babies don't know to swallow (like we do) or chew gum, you'll need to have the baby drink or suckle at that time. It is very important because their eardrums could burst if they don't. I know someone that this happened to.
Because you'll be prepared for anything (after reading all these posts), you'll have a wonderful trip.

Double check directly w/ the airline you're traveling w/ about gate checking carseats and strollers,regulations sometimes change. About bring a bottle,as far as the airline is concerned double check again on regulations about baby bottles and fluids/breast milk your aloud to bring on the plane w/ you. When it comes to your baby, what is he most comfortable w/ does he prefer breast or bottle? Whichever is more comforting to him and you is what you should stick with. During take-off and landing try to feed him because the sucking will help his ears adjust to the air pressure. You probably just need the usual stuff in the diaper bag,maybe pack a couple extra outfits just in case and remember they do have regulations on putting baby ointments and food etc. in clear zip lock bags,you may want to double check this also w/ the airline. good luck

I flew Continental recently and they still let me check the car seat and stroller at the gate. I didn't pump a bottle because I was afraid of the strict guidleines these days about limiting fluids that you can bring aboard. I just nursed her when we took off and landed which keeps the air pressure in their ears equalized as well. She slept for the whole cross country flight. Be sure to bring extra clothes for both of you in your carry on just in case she spits up. I learned that one the hard way with my first daughter and had to wear solied clothes for the entire trip! Good luck!

Hi--
My daughter's first plane trip was at 6 weeks old, and she has been on a plane on average every three months since, so I have experienced every phase so far (she is only 2!) What i have to say is this is the easiest time to travel--if you're lucky, your little one will nurse and sleep and be happy to have you hold him for the duration of the flight! If you wear him in a sling or wrap, that is great to have so he can sleep on you and you can have your hands free...we were more carrier people, so we traveled light as far as the stroller went, and it was a lot easier getting through the airport with my daughter slung on me so i had hands to carry other things. Unless you purchased a seat for him (which i am sure you didnt!) you'll want to check your carseat, especially these days with how restrictive flying has become, chances are you wont be able to use it on the flight anyway. I would also have a blanket (in case you do have an extra seat to lay him down on, or if it is cold), burp cloths, a binky if he takes one, and a rattle or toy to entertain him a bit. But really, trust me, this is the easiest time to travel with a baby! Make sure you nurse him at take off and landing so his ears dont hurt him! Good luck and safe travels!

Flying with a baby this little you have to be aware of germs. Try to keep him isolated from the great masses of people that pass in an airport.

That being said, it will be pretty easy to fly with him. His needs to wander will be nil. I would be prepared to have an extra bottle of pumped milk in case you are in a place where you feel uncomfortable, but there is no reason you can't breast feed on the plane.

I would ask for a seat behind the bulkhead--that's what I did. It gives you more room.

Lift off and landing is a problem however for his short ear canals. If he is using a pacifier he should use one then-the sucking helps. Otherwise--you need to find a solution for that.

Hello, N.!
I read ALL your other responses and thought maybe this could help. I flew with my oldest when he was 2 months old. Everyone kept telling me that when I went to check in that we would probably be given a good seat since I had a little one, but that was not the case. They put me and my baby in the very BACK of the plane on the only row of seats that do NOT recline! What a pain! I had to sit UPRIGHT the entire 2 hour 45 min flight with a baby in my arms who couldn't get comfy because of how we were sitting. It was NOT pleasant.
SO . . . I only tell you this so that you can mention to someone at check in that you'd like an aisle seat closer to the front of the plane if possible.
They've always let me bring a stroller with a car seat (our's attached to the stroller) that we would use at the airport and then check at the gate and it didn't count as luggage. They bad part about that is you have to tear it down at security to put it on the belt and walk through with your baby in your arms.
As for the diaper bag, bring what you need. Diapers, prepared bottles (I've never had a problem bringing bottles on the plane), wipes, baby's blanket, burp cloth, change of clothes, etc. Don't take too much extra. There's not anough room on the plane to be digging through all the extras for the stuff you need. Keep it simple.
I'm sure things will go just fine! Good luck!
- A.

Hi N.,
I have not personally taken my baby on a flight yet, but I was just having this conversation with another mom the other day! I don't have time to read the other responses, so I'm sorry if I'm repeating. She told me some pointers:
1. Sit in a window seat if possible; it's easier to get comfy with a baby in your arms when you can lean against the window, et.
2. Nurse on the way up and the way down. She said a bottle doesn't seem to comfort as well or even work as well. But she also said she had a bottle handy just in case.
3. Bring a hooter hider! She said that even though she usually used just a blanket to nurse her baby it was too hard on a plane in such tight quarters (it might be ok with just a two month old, though).
Hope this helps... Good luck!

Hi N.,
When we flew with our 5 month old last December, they really barely checked out the baby bag. They are pretty lenient in regards to bottles, formula, etc. Just bring a pacifier if baby uses one, or be ready with breast/bottle during takeoff and landing. Our girl slept most of the and it was a great flight.
Also, unless you are planning on putting your baby IN the carseat on the flight, CHECK the carseat at the ticket desk! We weren't sure what to do with it on the 1st flight,and LUGGED the darn seat all the way through the airport and checked it at the gate, and it was a pain! Of course, back then they weren't charging for bags, but really, you don't need the seat until you leave the airport and get into a car, so make it easy on yourself. Use a stroller if you need to (check that the gate) or just put baby in a bjorn or whatever carrier on you and away you go!
good luck!

I flew with my 1 yr old son a few months ago and I got greif about having baby bottles filled with water (to dump formula in on the flight). The bag checker kept saying that if it was medicated i wouldn't have to dump it, so i FINALLY caught on to her hint and said ..."um, it's medicated?" and she said ok, go on thru! If it had been pre-mixed with formula,or breast milk, that would have been ok. Go Figure! Be prepared with easy slip off shoes for when you go thru the gates (and don't wear a belt unles you want to remove it!) and take your stroller for rushing thru the airport. They will let you check it at the gate. Contact your airline though because some of them will charge up to $25 for this. Sometimes, they will also charge to check a babyseat. I borrowed one from the person who picked me up from the airport!

Best thing to do for baby is have him suck on a pacifier or to eat while taking off and landing. The sucking helps the ears not get clogged up. At 2 months old, you shouldn't have much to worry about. He will probably sleep thru the whole thing!

Airplanes don't have changing tables in the bathrooms, so change his diaper just before boarding and take a changing pad just in case you have to change him in some crazy place, like your seat or the top of the toilet seat! Oh, and don't forget a couple of extra outfits for him and a shirt for you. Put a couple of gallon sized ziplock baggies in the diaper bag for his messy clothes. They always seem to poop/puke when your not prepared!

Good luck and enjoy your trip!
S.:)

Mom of 4- Ages 9, 7, 4, and 17 months
(Brendan, our youngest has spina bifida- check out his web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/babybrendan )

Hi,

Here are my recommendations (My infant flew at 2 & 7 months):
- Rather than take a Boppy/My Brest Friend (if you use those) I used a baby blanket folded the long way to rest baby on. It gave me the support I needed without the bulk of an added carry on (blanket can fit in diaper bag). You can give it a practice try at home first.
- Nursing cover
- I took a little handheld fan on our second trip. My baby cried LOUD on the 1st flight just before the plane took off and the air conditioning was shut off temporarily.
- Remember extra baby clothes & socks(I saw others already said the same). Also an extra shirt for yourself if it can fit...just incase baby makes an unexpected mess on you.
- Lots of diapers and wipes...my baby decided to become an extra healthy pooper on the flights :oP I took 10 diapers and a pack of wipes both trips.
- An extra pacifier if baby uses those
- Make sure the airline knows you are flying with a lap child as it gets marked on your ticket.
- Lastly, when you are at the gate you can ask if there are extra seats available on the plane for your to bring your carseat on (if you are planning to take it to the gate anyways). On one of my flights I was moved to a row with empty seats so they allowed me to take on my carseat for free...it was nice to let baby sleep in there and give me a little freedom on the plane. I took my camera and was sure to take a picture of my little one on the plane in the carseat...so cute!

Good luck!

I don't know if anyone has told you this yet, But Nurse or bottle feed him on the takeoff ( until the plane is all the way up) and also on the landing. This will allow his ears to pop and not get uncomfortably clogged. This is what I did with my 3 month old daughter. Also bring lots of comforters,like bottle, pacifier, soft blankie, musical something or other. I'm sure you already knew that. Smooth flying!

N.,
Call the airline to answer your questions. Only they can tell you their rules about checking baggage and car seats/strollers at the gate and any fees involved.
We have flown with our boys when they were little and we used umbrella strollers. The airline allowed us to take them while boarding the plane and they took them at the door. When we deplaned the strollers were at the door waiting for us. I have also checked a car seat and stroller in the baggage compartment. I used airline approved storage duffle bags made specifically for those items. At the time I didn't pay extra, but now the airlines are so messed up that they may charge a fee. (Call ahead)
I definitely recommend pumping and having a bottle for taking off and landing. Also, nursing during the flight is good too. It takes the stress off the baby and while sucking prevents the ears from plugging up and hurting which makes them cry.

Best of luck to you.

You're still at the relatively easy age for flying (18 months is the worst!). Nursing him during takeoff and landing will help a lot!

I just flew out of PDX with my son a few weeks ago. The airlines currently allow you to take 3oz items, such as diaper creams and baby sun lotion, with you on the plane but that 3oz maximum, from what I was told when I called the airline directly (we flew Delta), did not apply to filled baby bottles or baby food.

If you are already pumping and/or your baby is already used to using a bottle and you prefer to feed your baby via the bottle while flying, just tell the security gate folks that you have breastmilk in bottles in your bag. They may require you to take them out for inspection. On the other hand, if your baby isn't used to bottle feeding and you feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, I would recommend breastfeeding your baby while on the plane over using a pacifier.

I was terrified my baby was going to cry and fuss the entire time but I latched him on as we were taxiing down the runway and he was asleep before we left the ground. (He slept through the whole flight and the subsequent descent when we were landing at our destination.) I brought along and used a Hooter Hiders nursing cover from Bebe au Lait - Spoiled Rotten in West Linn sells these, although a light blanket draped over the shoulder works just as well.

If you do decide to breastfeed and are a bit nervous about doing so on a plane because of the close proximity to others, know that you have legions of breastfeeding moms supporting your efforts. I checked out the Oregon statutes on breastfeeding before leaving as I'd read that Delta recently kicked a woman off the plane for refusing to cover up. Here they are, the first is applicable to flying:

* Or. Rev. Stat. § 109.001 (1999) allows a woman to breastfeed in a public place. (SB 744)

* Or. Rev. Stat. § 10.050 (1999) excuses a woman from acting as a juror if the woman is breastfeeding a child. (SB 1304)

* Or. Rev. Stat. § 653.075, §653.077 and §653.256 (2007) allow women to have unpaid 30 minute breaks during each four hour shift to breastfeed or pump. (H.B. 2372)

Oh, and I did see a number of car seats placed near the entrance to the plane but it probably wouldn't hurt to place a call to your specific airline to see what their policy is regarding car seats and strollers.

Good luck with your travels!

We flew with our son for the first time when he was two months old and it was probably the easiest flight we have had. I was nursing too and didn't worry about pumping - I just nursed. If you are uncomfortable you can bring something to cover up with, or pump if it makes it easier for you. Check out (and I suggest print out) the TSA website info on traveling with young children, its tsa.gov then select the appropriate links. Also, I don't know if you can afford too but we have always purchased a seat for your son and put his car seat on board. If nothing else we knew that the car seat wasn't treated poorly, and therefore as if it had been in an accident, and it was really nice to be able to put him down while he was sleeping (especially if it is a long flight). You can check car seats and strollers at the gate, usually, but check with your airline to be sure. Also, don't forget to bring lots of water and snacks for yourself, more diapers than you think you will need, and extra clothes for both of you. At 2 months I don't think my son really cared about toys or book although I am sure we brought both - in fact he slept almost the entire flight - the white noise at that age seemed to work like magic and he had terrible colic so I even brought ear plugs for the people sitting around us in case he cried the whole flight. Feel free to contact me personally if you have any further questions - I am more than happy to give you more info. Have fun where ever you are going - and don't forget to take care of yourself, you are much more likely to get sick at this point than your baby.

Pack in the diaper bag anything you would normally take...except water. The security officers will take it or make you throw it away if it is over 3 oz. Purchase a bottle of water if needed after going through security. If you pump, label the bottle you have stored so security will not throw it out. they have to allow for the babies diet.

talk to your pediatrician about giving your son some tylenol or such to help with discomfort in his ears from the pressure changes on the plane.

car seat and/or stroller can be checked either at the ticket booth, or at the gate. You are not required to have the carseat on the plane since your son is under 2 yrs. and can be held in lap (also, you save money from having another seat purchased).

I have travelled with my twin boys a few times...alone and with Daddy. they were great! You will be fine, and your son will do wonderful...just be ready to distract if needed.

good luck,
T.

N.,

I know I'm going to repeat some of the things that others said. I am writing this while visiting my family in California - where I flew last week with my 3 month old and 3 year old. It was the second flight for my 3 month old (also flew at five weeks) and and I think the 10th for my 3 year old - so I have done it MANY times. We have flown several airlines (United, Continental, Alaska, Swiss Air...) and none of them have ever charged for the car seat. I stopped bringing a stroller on trips after my first trip with my 3 year old and now just rely on the front carrier. I found the stroller a hastle, especially when you can wear them just as easily. Breast feeding, as most said, on take off and landing is essential. I would not recommend bringing your car seat to the gate, just check it. It does not count as luggage against you. (If you check in at a kiosk, don't count it in your pieces of luggage - they'll just print an extra tag when the actual person comes to help you). If you don't have a bag for it, don't worry. Most airlines will provide you with at least a plastic bag for it. I would recommend you putting your name on the car seat somewhere as ours was taken by someone once until they realized they grabbed the wrong one (it was the same brand). Only once in 12 round trip flights with car seats did the car seat not make it with us and this was when our flight was cancelled by the airlines and we had to stay an extra night after checking our bags. It was not a problem. The airlines have extra carseats just in case.

This actually is the easiest time to fly so enjoy it! Oh, one last piece of advice that was given to me...bring cash. That way, if the baby does cry you can at least buy drinks for those sitting around you - to date, I have not had to rely on this but I always come prepared just in cast :).

Good luck.

We flew with our daughter to Kansas at 2 1/2 months. I have a few tips that made our trip a lot easier. If you have a front pack (Snugli or Baby Bjorn type), one of you should wear in the airport, and even onto the plane if your baby will tolerate it. It left our hands free to pull luggage and grab ID, etc., except when you go through security and you have to take it off. Be sure to bring a binky or be ready with a breast or bottle because sometimes their ears hurt during landing/takeoff because of the pressure. Really, our daughter slept almost the whole flight, I think the motion of the plane was similar to a car. :) Good luck! Last time we flew they still allowed us to take a stroller to the gate, but it we decided to just use the front pack because my mother-in-law had a stroller at her house for us to use while we were there. Also, if you are taking your car seat, they usually don't let you take it on the plane, so it gets bagged and checked in.

My 9 month old has been on the plane about 10 times, 4 of those was when she was 2 months old. I took a blanket and just breastfed her till she fell asleep. In the ten times she only had real trouble once. Just take lots of bottles and keep her swallowing.

We are planning a flight in about 5 weeks with kids that will be 2 1/2 years old and 3 months. I have done tons of checking with most airlines and you can check you stroller and carseat with NO CHARGE. They are seen as necessary items so they do not qualify for the baggage rule and charge, which is so nice because we will be checking two carseats and a duo glider! I traveled with our first at 8 months and they did not allow me to take any expressed milk or premade formula on the plane. They made me dump it out....I was FURIOUS!! I recommend a carrier as have the previous posts, it is so easy and convienent and it can be crammed into small spaces when not in use! Checking your stoller at the gate is also very easy and it is sitting there waiting for you when you get off, very handy! As in prior posts, nurse going up and down and with turbulance and other than that your little one will more than likely sleep. pack lots of diapers and clothes for both of you, they will be needed! Good luck and sorry for babbling! :)

I am not sure with all airlines, we fly delta. On delta, you can check your strollers/carseats with the rest of your luggage and it does not count towards your totals. (I think now it is 1 peice of luggage per person).

Yes you can still check the stroller at the gate. If you have a layover I definitely recommend that for getting the baby around the airport.
Does your baby have enough neck support you could put him in a baby bjorn? That helps when you haul luggage and need your hands free or just walking round the airport.
I never had any problems breastfeeding on the plane. If you travel with your husband and sit in 3across rows then sit next to the window and put your husband next to the stranger for extra privacy while feeding.
Carry on- enough diapers for a day (in case you get stuck or luggage doesn't make it), change of clothes for you and baby, blanket, small toy or rattle, if the baby has a comfort object don't forget that

I flew with my 4 month old a few months ago. We brought our carseat/stroller and checked it at the gate with no problems. I was breastfeeding so on the plane I just covered myself with a blanket and was fine. I believe you are allowed pumped milk as well. My only must haves are make sure you have plenty of clothing changes and diapers because my baby had a couple diaper blowouts and I ran out of clothes before the plane had landed. Fortunately, it was warm where we were going and he was fine in just a diaper.

I'm not sure about the car seat thing I know you can bring it on but I think you have to buy a seat if you want to use it on fligh. I used to fly with my daughter when she was younger...I breast feed until my daughter was 3 years old. I never brought a bottle on the flights just brought an extra blanket to cover up and she was fine. Breast feeding made Take off and landing much easier....The bottle was just one more headache to deal with. Good luck and enjoy!!!